New Attorneys Have Not Decided On Whether To Seek Mental Evaluation For Hixson Woman Facing Possible Death Penalty

  • Friday, April 24, 2015

New attorneys for a Hixson woman facing a possible death penalty in Catoosa County, Ga., said they have not decided whether to seek a mental evaluation of Catherine Joann Goins.

Police said she lured a 30-year-old woman to a friend's house and killed her in order to steal her newborn.

After District Attorney Herbert "Buzz" Franklin opted for the death penalty, two attorneys from the Georgia Capital Defenders Office were assigned to the case. Jerilyn Bell and Crystal Bice appeared before Judge Ralph Van Pelt for a brief hearing on Friday afternoon at Ringgold.

Ms. Bell said she has filed 14 motions in the case. They will be heard May 26.

The defense attorney said she is concerned about public shackling of Ms. Goins. Judge Van Pelt asked the Catoosa County Sheriff's Office to come up with a security plan for the trial, which is still months away.

Family members of Natalie Roberts, who was killed last Sept. 19, were at the hearing.

Ms. Bell said the defense will have an investigator and a litigation specialist assigned to the case and may ask for expert help as well. She said the litigation specialist would focus on the penalty phase of the trial.

 

Latest Headlines
Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/19/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: AWOLOWO, APRIL 105 EUCLID STREET ATHENS, 373030000 Age at Arrest: 36 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff THEFT OVER $1000 BARNETT, ... more

Senator Colton Moore Challenger Hits "An Incumbent Bent On Self-Promotion Instead Of Humble Leadership"
  • 3/18/2024

Angela Pence, a Chickamauga resident who is making a race against 53rd District Senator Colton Moore, said she aims to bring principled, effective leadership "to a district that has gone unheard ... more

Wamp Pushing For Tighter Local Lobbying Rules, Tax Abatement Policies; Bigger Share Of Sales Tax
  • 3/18/2024

County Mayor Weston Wamp spoke to the Pachyderm Club on Monday about the significance of a state basketball title, the need for local lobbying regulations and tightening up on tax abatement policies. ... more